Division heads want Anwar’s daughter to go for No 2 post
PETALING JAYA: The race for the PKR deputy presidency has taken an unexpected turn as a wave of support builds for Nurul Izzah Anwar, despite her earlier announcement to contest only a vice-presidency.
Several party leaders and grassroots figures are now openly endorsing her for the number two position, a surprising development amid earlier talk of a possible contest between Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
In a joint statement released yesterday, five PKR division chiefs from Melaka, inclduing Hang Tuah Jaya chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin declared their “full and open support” for Nurul Izzah as a candidate for deputy president for the 2025-2028 term.
They praised her as a unifying, reform-driven leader who could bridge the gap between the party’s founding generation and emerging leadership.
“She is no stranger to the reform movement,” the statement read, citing her experience as a two-term MP and vice-president, as well as her recent recognition as one of Project Syndicate’s 30 Forward Thinkers.
“Her candidacy is not merely about personality or heritage. It’s about the future of PKR as a progressive political party that continues to earn the people’s trust.”
They said Nurul Izzah’s leadership could revive the party’s reform agenda and strengthen ties within the unity government.
Selangor PKR has also openly expressed their support for Nurul Izzah to contest for the deputy presidency.
In a statement signed by 19 division chiefs led by Mentri Besar and state PKR chief Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, the leaders said the party need a deputy president that is not tied to government administration and who can focus on strengthening PKR’s resilience.
“We do not only need a leader who is a skillful orator or one who has won a seat. We need a leader who understands the pulse of the party, who is willing to listen to the grassroots and put the party above self.
“We need a leader who is prepared to toe the line,” the statement said.
“We believe with Nurul Izzah as deputy president, we can reconsolidate a solid frontline, regain the trust of the people and ensure PKR remains relevant and progressive,” it added.
Pahang PKR chairman Rizal Jamin echoed the support, calling Nurul Izzah a principled and visionary leader with the ability to carry the party’s legacy forward.
“With a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to the mandate of this struggle, I express my open and full support for Nurul Izzah Anwar to offer herself and be considered as a candidate,” he said, referring to her as “Puteri Reformasi”.
Rizal praised Nurul Izzah’s track record in championing institutional reform and human rights while stressing the need for generational renewal to keep PKR relevant.
Support for Nurul Izzah is also growing in Perak, where state PKR information chief Azam Afandi said she has the values and vision to lead the party through current political challenges.
“Her candidacy isn’t just about personality or legacy. It’s a matter of PKR’s future,” he said.
Nurul Izzah, who recently returned unopposed as Permatang Pauh division chief, had earlier said she would run for a vice-president post in the upcoming party polls.
She was appointed to the post following the 2022 party elections, which she did not contest.
Rafizi has indicated that he intends to defend his position in the party elections scheduled for May 23.
Saifuddin’s name has been floated as a possible challenger, with at least one division leader recently urging Rafizi to step aside.
